As a global science-based consulting and advisory company, Jacobs is dedicated to delivering resilient, digitally enabled infrastructure solutions that help communities thrive. From its St. Louis-area office in the city’s Cheltenham neighborhood, the company is also committed to making a positive impact locally through employee engagement, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement. In 2025, Jacobs returned to the St. Louis Green Business Challenge as a Leader Level participant after a five-year hiatus, using the Challenge as an opportunity to strengthen sustainability efforts within its office, empower employees to adopt sustainable practices and turn environmental goals into meaningful action both inside and outside the workplace.
A key accomplishment during the Challenge was the relaunch of the Jacobs Green Team, which is helping foster a culture of sustainability throughout the workplace. The team has focused on identifying opportunities to improve the office environment, engage employees and lay the groundwork for future sustainability initiatives. As part of these efforts, Jacobs launched a Taking Green Home education campaign, encouraging employees to incorporate environmentally conscious practices into their daily lives both at work and at home.
The organization also took a data-driven approach to sustainability planning by conducting audits of employee commuting habits, office energy use and copy paper consumption. These assessments provided valuable insights into current practices and will help guide future strategies aimed at reducing environmental impacts and increasing operational efficiency.
Beyond internal initiatives, Jacobs demonstrated its commitment to community engagement and collaboration through innovative programs and partnerships. One standout effort was the establishment of a recurring Tasty Tuesday Food Truck event, which serves employees, neighboring businesses and the surrounding community while highlighting local Green Dining Alliance partners.
Jacobs also excelled in biodiversity-focused activities. Through seasonal Floral Frolics events, employees have been encouraged to connect with nature and learn about the importance of supporting local ecosystems. Building on this success, the company plans to collaborate with property management to increase the use of native plant species around the facility, helping create healthier habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
Another significant initiative was the development of a new recycling program designed to be expanded throughout the building. By creating a scalable approach to waste diversion, Jacobs is helping lay the foundation for broader sustainability efforts that can benefit all building occupants.
These local efforts reflect Jacobs’ overall commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovation, collaboration and long-term thinking. As CEO Bob Pragada explains, “Our focus is on our future as a science-based consulting and advisory company delivering resilient, digitally enabled, infrastructure solutions.”
To learn more about Jacobs or get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. For more on how sustainability supports better air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.
